Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Prague a magnificently gorgeous artistic expression. Enjoy. Past Review

By (Cultural Insight and Media Production, Tulane University) for

CIEE: Prague - Film Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was phenomenal. I grew as a person and learned that not all generalized groups of white people suck. Why? Because they're foreign and you don't know them well enough to pass judgement.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

America is based on letters. Do the minimum to gain your desired letter. Their system is based upon the gaining and storing of knowledge. If you are uninterested in the material, you are doomed. Though it's your own fault for subscribing to a non helpful system in the first place, if you go to school for a letter.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program rocked. Our corespondents treated us like their own children. It's always nice to have a mom or two around to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I hope you like meat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I competed in three local skate competitions and one two of them. It was sweat.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't have health problems. I don't practice safety in everyday life. I cannot therefor truthfully answer these.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? less than 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check your bank. They all want to tell you they're there for you, but all they want is your money. They care nothing for your wellbeing.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

If you are uninterested in really experiencing the culture, you can get by with English. You won't know what you order at restaurants and you'll have a hard time outside the city center. I spoke Czech daily, both with my roommates and my local friends. Everyone was excited that I was trying and encouraged my efforts.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Local Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I was allowed to practice filming with actual film instead of digital.
* What could be improved?
  • It would be nice to have at least one camera exercise before the shoot.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't go to Prague to study film unless you have a desire to make movies. Experience is not necessary, but interest is. Don't waste everyone else's time.